Time to celebrate: 55th Wing Birthday Ball on the horizon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
The party date is set, the location has been scouted and now the time has come...to get your tickets.

The 33rd Annual 55th Wing Birthday Ball is set for March 26 at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in La Vista, Neb.

The event marks the 70th anniversary of the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth, which dates back to the unit's activation as the 55th Pursuit Group at Hamilton Field, Calif., in January 1941.

The gala is open to all active-duty servicemembers, as well as civilian members of the wing, retirees and local dignitaries by invitation. The evening's hosts will be Col. Donald Bacon, soon to be the 55th Wing commander, and his wife, Angela. The master of ceremonies will be Dave Webber, an Omaha television personality.

The theme for this year's birthday ball is "Courage, Character, Commitment," and recognizes the focus of the wing, as well as the men and women who perform the many and varied missions the wing executes worldwide to support peacetime and combat operations.

If you've been a part of the 55th Wing in the past year, you've earned this chance to relax and celebrate.

In 2010, the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth surpassed 20 years of continuous deployment in support of contingency operations; longer than any other unit in history. In the past year, the wing had an average of more than 500 people deployed at any given time all across the globe, supported nearly 5,000 sorties, accumulated more than 30,000 global flight hours and much more.

Offutt's warriors have earned a good time. With the birthday ball, the Offutt community has an opportunity to honor the history of the 55th Wing and enjoy themselves, said Maj. Andrew L. Burroughs, assistant director of operations for the 55th Intelligence Support Squadron and the chairman of the Birthday Ball Committee.

The birthday ball is a celebration of all things 55th Wing and the many accomplishments of current and former members of the wing, Major Burroughs said.

"It's a chance to visit with old friends and meet new ones who have shared in the hard work we continue to do every day," he added.

Major Burroughs also said attendees will enjoy a cocktail hour with jazz music, a delicious dinner, and interaction with co-workers.

The night's festivities will include the induction of the newest members of the 55th Wing Hall of Fame, the presentation of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing Association Award for Excellence and dancing the night away to the Nightwing ensemble of the Heartland of America Band.

For those warriors who party a little too hard, Offutt Against Drunk Driving will be on hand to offer safe and free rides home.

The night's guest speaker will be Maj. Gen. James Poss, assistant deputy chief of staff of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for Headquarters United States Air Force.

Military members must wear the mess dress or semi-formal uniform. Civilians must wear appropriate business attire.

Accommodations are also available at the Embassy Suites by calling 402-331-7400. Reservations must be made prior to March 8. For a special rate mention code WBT or 55th Wing Birthday Ball at the time of reservation.

Childcare is available at the Capehart Child Development Center from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Children must have a copy of their shot records for admittance. Make your reservations by March 21.

Tickets are on sale now and are available by contacting the appropriate group representative before March 18.

Ticket prices:
$10 E-1 through E-5 and GS-1 through GS-8:
$30 E-6 through E-8, O-1 through O-2 and GS-9 through GS-12
$35 E-9, O-3 through O-10, distinguished visitors and GS-13 and up